Opening of Nativity Scene Exhibit

Saturday, Nov. 30 proved to be a spiritually eventful day for St. Nicholas church in Barberton. Bishop John visited the parish for a full day of activities. First, he was the guest of honor for the 2:00 ribbon cutting ceremony, beginning a month long crèche display at the church. This exhibit comes from the collection of parishioner Pat Mitchell, and contains 160 different displays of the nativity. These have been obtained from all over the world, taking over 20 years to accumulate.

Later that afternoon, His Grace sat with those in attendance, for an hour long question and answer session. A good variety of questions were asked, covering topics from the current Assembly of the Eparchy, to the role of men and women in today's church, and how we may best serve as instruments of evangelization.

Bishop John then travelled with pastor, Fr. Miron, to the downtown area where the high school youth group was participating in the Downtown Christmas Walk. This is a city sponsored event, highlighted by the lighting of a magnificent display of attractions located around Lake Anna Park, central to downtown Barberton. The group was able to evangelize by setting up a nativity scene, which also included a large poster of the nativity icon prominently displayed. The teens passed out over 200 DVDs about St. Nicholas church, fliers for the exhibit taking place, and treats to the children.